[SLL] make config - too many questions

[Derek Simkowiak]

Mat>/ What I would like to do is start out with a known to work 
configuration. For example, whatever was used to make the ubuntu 8.10 
kernel that my machine is running. Then I can make my changes as needed. /

    Sorry, "make menuconfig" was on incomplete answer.

    If you want to start with the setup that your Ubuntu shipped with, 
then I recommend using the "linux-source" package for Ubuntu.  That's 
the same Linux kernel tree that Ubuntu ships with (and using the same 
configuration).  Ubuntu also has some user-friendly patches to the 
standard kernel.  Unfortunately, there's more to it than just "apt-get 
linux-source" -- see here for more info:

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Kernel/Compile

    The Ubuntu kernel source package is older and more customized that 
Linus's git repository -- the git repository is the latest and greatest, 
and doesn't have the Ubuntu-specific patches (or default config).

    Note, on a modern Ubuntu system, compiling the kernel is a rare 
event.  Most 3rd-party hardware "add-ons" are compiled as kernel 
modules, which require the kernel headers but not a complete kernel 
recompile.  As Jarod said:

If your distro kernel permits loadable
modules (most do), then all you need is your kernel's headers installed,
and you can build (most) out-of-tree modules to your heart's content.


    I haven't compiled a custom Ubuntu kernel since 7.10... and that was 
to get around a bug between the SLUB memory allocator and the ATI 
graphics card driver.

--Derek

Mathew D. Watson wrote:
> I tried building the 2.6.29 kernel that I got from Linus' git 
> repository, and 'make config' asked me _way_ to many questions. I 
> ended up holding down the return key for a minute or two to accept the 
> default choices. Even if I had the patience to read and answer them 
> all, I wouldn't have a clue as to what the right answer is for most of 
> them. The kernel was compiling as I left for work, so I'm guessing  
> whatever I asked for is OK.
>
> What I would like to do is start out with a known to work 
> configuration. For example, whatever was used to make the ubuntu 8.10 
> kernel that my machine is running. Then I can make my changes as needed.
>
> I also tried running 'make gconfig', but it complained that some 
> packages were missing, and I wasn't able to find them quickly using 
> synaptic. Apparently the graphical interface let's you go forward and 
> back to answer questions, but I don't think it solves the problem of 
> creating a known good configuration.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> FWIW, I am reading Corbet's "Linux Device Drivers", and it says I need 
> to configure and build a kernel before I can work on loadable modules 
> (which I want to learn about).
>
> Mat
>